Pearl of the IslandsFoundation · Aotearoa
About us

Dialogue at the heart of a shared Aotearoa

Pearl of the Islands Foundation celebrates diversity and fosters social cohesion among cultures across New Zealand.

Who we are

Enriching the educational, cultural and social wellbeing of our community

Founded by a group of passionate New Zealanders of Turkish descent, PIF is inspired by the idea of Aotearoa as a pearl among the Pacific islands. We place dialogue at the heart of everything we do — meaningful engagement and exchange between diverse groups that deepens understanding and, ultimately, acceptance of one another.

Through conversations and events — Ramadan Iftar dinners, talks, panels and festivals — we address a wide range of social issues, transcending ethnicity and religion.

Mission

To foster understanding and acceptance among diverse communities through meaningful engagement and intercultural events.

Vision

A harmonious, enlightened, and socially cohesive Aotearoa New Zealand for all.

Registered & accountable

Incorporated Society 1861117 · Charitable entity CC44418 under the Charities Act.

Our story

Eighteen years of building bridges

2007

Foundations laid

PIF is founded to foster unity and understanding, inspired by Aotearoa as a pearl among the Pacific islands.

2015

Dialogue scales up

Ramadan Iftar dinners, panels and study tours grow into a nationwide programme of intercultural engagement.

2026

A movement today

60+ events a year, 50+ partners, and thousands of New Zealanders connected through dialogue and service.

How we work

Our structure

PIF is run by staff who manage day-to-day operations, a Managing Committee that provides consultation and guidance, and an Advisory Board offering expert advice across their fields.

Operational staff

Run the day-to-day operations of the organisation and deliver programmes on the ground.

Managing Committee

Provides consultation, governance and strategic guidance for the foundation.

Advisory Board

Offers expert advice in their respective fields and feedback on current and future projects.

Leadership

Advisory Board

Dr Ashraf Choudhary

Co-Chairperson

Honorary Professor at the University of Auckland and Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Theology, and a former Member of Parliament.

Pauline Cornwell

Co-Chairperson

Born in the Solomon Islands, Pauline returned to New Zealand as a young woman and has dedicated her life to community service.

Naomi Johnson

Member

Naomi is very active in interfaith work, in particular on opportunities to bring communities together in dialogue.

Rahul Watson Govindan

Member

A seasoned professional with over 30 years of diverse experience across the public and private sectors.

Meng Foon

Member

Born and raised in Gisborne, former Mayor and Race Relations Commissioner, with a lifelong commitment to community harmony.

Tayyaba Khan

Member

Founder and Trustee of the Khadija Leadership Network and a New Zealand Peace Ambassador.

In good company

Our partners

We've built strong partnerships with non-profits, charities, local governments, religious groups and educational institutions — all working together for social cohesion in Aotearoa.

Welcoming Communities
Auckland Council
Massey University
University of Otago
Women's Refuge
Khadija Leadership Network
New Zealand Red Cross
Albert-Eden Local Board
Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board
InZone Education Foundation
Transparency

How we're funded

Diverse, accountable funding sources let us cover events, staff, our community centre, travel and other essential outgoings.

Little Pearls Educare Centres

Our principal funder — owned by PIF — provides vital financial support for our mission.

Grants & donations

Grants from governmental and non-governmental organisations, plus generous contributions from members and supporters.

Event partnerships

Some events are partially funded through partnerships with other organisations who share our vision.